
Yo, in a city like Los Angeles where the hustle never stops, finding time for a side gig is straight-up a superpower. But Scott Evans, the charismatic face of ‘Access Hollywood,’ is making it look easy. Between red carpet marathons and back-to-back shoots, this dude carved out space to launch ‘House Guest,’ a digital interview series that’s got all the chill SoCal summer energy you crave.
Picture this: A-list celebs rolling up to Evans’ actual crib for backyard hangs that feel like a Venice Beach barbecue. We’re talking good eats, cool drinks, fun games, and convos that get real, fast. It’s no wonder this Webby Award-winning show has racked up millions of views - it’s like crashing your coolest cousin’s pad in the Hollywood Hills.
Evans, originally from Indiana but now a true LA player, had a vision. He wanted a space where folks could let their guard down. Whether it’s whipping up a meal or mixing a drink, he’s all about creating a vibe where guests shine in a new light - or remind us why we stan them in the first place.
‘House Guest’ just hit its one-year mark this summer, and the lineup is straight Hollywood royalty. Oscar winner Regina King, Keke Palmer, Tony winner Cynthia Erivo, Emmy champ Niecy Nash-Betts, and ‘SNL’ star Leslie Jones are just a few who’ve kicked it with Evans. Add in names like Tina Knowles, Chloe Bailey, Meagan Good, and Taye Diggs, and you’ve got a guest list hotter than a Santa Monica pier day.
But hold up - the biggest drop yet is coming this Thursday. Vice President Kamala Harris herself stopped by Evans’ spot for a headline-making chat over her fave pizza (which he made from scratch, because of course he did). They dove into her presidential run, her memoir ‘107 Days,’ and what’s next beyond D.C. Evans spilled some tea to The Hollywood Reporter about prepping for this epic convo, and we’re already counting the minutes till it drops.
“Hosting Kamala was unreal - I wanted to make sure she felt at home, and when we sat down over pizza, it was like catching up with an old friend. That’s the ‘House Guest’ magic,” Evans told us.
So, what’s the secret sauce behind ‘House Guest’? Evans says it’s all about those raw, unfiltered moments that don’t always make the ‘Access Hollywood’ cut. “There’s so much joy and inspiration left on the editing floor,” he explains. He drew inspo from legends like Ina Garten and Arsenio Hall, aiming to build a space that’s uplifting - especially for people of color in the industry, where these kinds of platforms are rare.
Unlike the messy drama that blows up online for clicks, ‘House Guest’ is pure authenticity. It mirrors the real talks Evans has with everyone from A-listers to up-and-comers. Whether he’s asking how they navigate tough times or swapping personal stories, he’s creating a safe zone where guests - and viewers - feel seen.
As a host, Evans keeps it 100. “Come in sweats or designer drip, just be ready for a good time,” he says. His ‘Access Hollywood’ experience taught him that real connection means being vulnerable too - no gotcha moments, just genuine vibes.
One of Evans’ fave episodes early on was with Andra Day. Fans in the comments were shook to learn she’s not British but a Black woman who nabbed a Golden Globe for portraying Billie Holiday. That backyard chat peeled back layers, showing her in full glory and proving how ‘House Guest’ flips the script on what we think we know.
Evans and Day clicked over shared quirks, like struggling to stay focused, and just let the convo flow naturally. It’s those organic moments that keep viewers hooked.
Then there’s Regina King, who opened up about memorializing her son on camera for the first time. Mid-interview, she admitted, “I was unprepared for what I’d share.” Within 15 minutes, they were deep into heavy topics, and her trust in Evans was clear when she said he reminded her of her son, Ian. Cue the tissues - even for a seasoned host like Evans.
These moments aren’t forced. Whether it’s Michael Evans Behling sharing his adoption story or guests’ teams whispering, “How’d you get them to open up like that?” - it’s all about the comfort zone Evans builds.
Let’s talk grind - Evans is bankrolling ‘House Guest’ himself, and it ain’t cheap. Each episode costs a pretty penny to keep the quality top-tier, but he’s got brand partners like Spotify (shoutout to their Radar program) stepping in to help spread the word. Winning a Webby for Interview, Talk & After-Show was the cherry on top of this DIY hustle.
Even his LA commutes play a role in the magic. Ditching hype playlists for audiobooks by icons like Michelle Obama, Viola Davis, and Chelsea Handler, Evans preps by soaking in their stories. It’s a mindset shift that keeps him grounded when he pulls up to set - no club vibes, just realness.
Cost aside, every view, comment, and share fuels him. “When you see our YouTube thumbnail, it stops you in your tracks - like you’re right there with us,” he says. That’s the goal, and it’s worth every dime.
Looking ahead, Evans is in it for the long haul with ‘House Guest.’ But he’s got bigger dreams brewing - think sports projects and variety shows (Keke Palmer’s already hyped for one). Companies are lining up to help develop these ideas, so expect more West Coast flavor from this creative powerhouse.
Who’s on his ultimate guest list? Rihanna, for sure - their bond is next-level, especially after she connected him to his Barbados roots with a trip he’ll never forget. The Obamas, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga also get a shoutout. “Ladies, the invite’s open - come through,” he laughs.
From heartfelt episodes with Diarra Kilpatrick to Keke Palmer owning her narrative in ways we’ve never seen, ‘House Guest’ keeps delivering. So, whether you’re tuning in for Kamala Harris’ pizza chat or waiting for RiRi to pull up, one thing’s clear: Scott Evans’ backyard is the hottest spot in LA right now.